APPENDIX I: CLOTHING GUIDELINES Page 1 September 1997
APPENDIX I: CLOTHING GUIDELINES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
What constitutes an "adequate basic wardrobe" for a child in foster care? There is no definitive answer to that question. Even after the obvious variables of age and sex are considered there are other factors that influence clothing needs.
For example, if both foster parents work outside the home there will be less time available for doing laundry. In this case, the children will need more clothing. Families who own or who have easy access to a washer and dryer can do laundry more frequently. These families may need fewer clothes. Foster children who are teens or pre-teens may be able to assist foster parents in doing laundry.
Because circumstances vary, the Department does not prescribe definite wardrobe requirements. Caseworkers and foster parents should review initial clothing needs and use their best judgment, depending on individual circumstances, to determine an adequate basic wardrobe. Children who are old enough to make clothing decisions should be involved in the process. The review of the child's clothing should be done in such a way as not to embarrass the child. Certain worn-out or stained articles of clothing may still be important to the child, representing a remaining link with his natural family. The caseworker and foster parents should be tactful in dealing with this situation.
The following guidelines are not hard and fast requirements that must be met for each child in foster care. They should be used by caseworkers and foster parents in making judgments as to the adequacy of their foster children's clothing.
These guidelines may also be used to evaluate a foster child’s need for replacement clothing. They apply to both children in foster homes and group foster care.
Contents: Guides to Clothing at the Time of Placement.
Infants Page 2 Boys Page 3 Girls Page 4
Program Manual: STANDARDS OF PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN APPENDIX I: CLOTHING GUIDELINES Page 2 September 1997
Guide to Clothing at Time of Placement - Infants
Birth to 6 Months
Undershirt 8 Diapers, dozen * 4 Rubber pants 4 Nightgown 8 Knit stretch suit or dress 4 Sweater, cap and booties 1 Receiving blanket 4 Waterproof lap pad 2 Waterproof crib pad 2 Blanket, crib size 2 Snow suit 1 Blanket sleeper 1
6 Months to 1 Year
Undershirt 8 Diapers, dozen * 4 Rubber pants 4 Pajamas 6 Blanket sleeper 2 Knit stretch suit or dress 2 Cotton jersey 8 Overalls 4 Sweater 1 Cap 1 Mittens 1 Socks 4 Shoes 1 Snow suit 1
* Monthly allowances for disposable diapers may be provided as a special payment not subject to the yearly clothing placement allowance. The diaper allowance is for children aged 0 - 3 years.
Program Manual: STANDARDS OF PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN APPENDIX I: CLOTHING GUIDELINES Page 3 September 1997
Guide to Clothing at Time of Placement - Boys
1-3 Years 4-5 Years 6-11 Years 12-15 Years 16-18 Years Section A- Year Round Undershirt 8 4 4 4 4 Underpants 8 6 6 6 6 Pajamas 4 2 2 2 2 Bathrobe 1 1 1 1 1 Socks 8 5 5 5 5 Suit 1 1 1 1 1 Pullover shirt 6 6 3 3 3 Shirt 2 2 3 3 3 Pants 1 1 2 2 2 Dungarees 5 3 3 3 3 Sweater 2 2 2 2 2 Cap or hat 1 1 1 1 1 Raincoat - 1 1 1 1 Shoes 1 2 2 2 2 Sneakers 1 1 1 1 1 Bedroom 1 1 1 1 1 slippers Section B- Summer Light jacket 1 1 1 1 1 Shorts 4 4 2 2 2 Swim suit 1 1 1 1 1 Section C- Winter Mittens or 1 1 1 1 1 gloves Snow suit or 1 1 1 1 - ski pants Heavy jacket 1 1 1 1 1 Boots 1 1 1 1 1 Winter hat 1 1 1 1 1
Program Manual: STANDARDS OF PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN APPENDIX I: CLOTHING GUIDELINES Page 4 September 1997
Guide to Clothing at Time of Placement - Girls
1-3 Years 4-5 Years 6-11 Years 12-15 Years 16-18 Years Section A- Year Round Undershirt 8 4 4 - - Underpants 8 6 6 6 6 Pajamas 4 2 2 2 2 Bathrobe 1 1 1 1 1 Socks 8 5 5 5 5 Panty hose - - - 4 4 Bra - - - 3 3 Slip 1 2 2 2 2 Cotton dress 3 3 2 2 3 Dressy dress 1 1 1 1 1 Pullover shirt 6 6 2 2 2 Blouse 2 2 3 3 3 Dungarees 3 3 3 3 2 Skirt 1 2 2 2 2 Sweater 2 2 2 2 2 Cap or hat 1 1 1 1 1 Raincoat - 1 1 1 1 Shoes 1 2 2 2 2 Sneakers 1 1 1 1 1 Bedroom 1 1 1 1 1 slippers Section B- Summer Spring coat 1 1 1 1 1 Shorts 4 4 2 2 2 Swim suit 1 1 1 1 1 Section C- Winter Mittens or 1 1 1 1 1 gloves Snow suit or 1 1 1 1 1 ski pants Winter coat - 1 1 1 1 Boots 1 1 1 1 1 Winter hat 1 1 1 1 1
Program Manual: STANDARDS OF PAYMENT FOR FOSTER CARE OF CHILDREN